Hydration station! Eight tips and tricks to encourage your cat to drink more water
The domestic cat descended from wild desert cats, whose water requirements were met by the prey they ate. Now, our cats don’t have to hunt for their food, and their diet may be made up of only dry kibble.
Because cats can develop a number of medical conditions related to poor water intake (bladder crystals or stones, kidney disease or urinary tract infections), tempting your cat to drink more water is important, as it can help with many urinary issues. Luckily, there are several tips and tricks you can use to encourage a cat to drink water!
How much water does a cat need?
For healthy cats, you can calculate a baseline water requirement by providing four ounces for every five pounds of body weight. For example, a 10-pound cat would need around eight ounces of water per day.
Of course, water requirements vary with ambient temperature, the cat’s weight, food type, overall health and activity level. Your veterinarian is your best source for determining your cat’s hydration needs.
How to get a cat to drink more water
The truth is that a lot of cats don’t drink enough water. The following eight tips and tricks will help you keep your cat hydrated.
Tip 1: Try wet food or adding water to their kibble.
Canned food has a higher moisture content than kibble, so cats who eat canned food don’t have to drink as much water as cats who eat kibble. By adding small amounts of water to their food and gradually increasing the amount over time, your kibble-eating cat may learn to eat the moistened kibble. NOTE: If your cat refuses to eat the moistened food, provide them with their regular kibble or wet food. Do not let them go without food.
Tip 2: Change the location of your cat’s water bowl or offer multiple bowls in different places throughout your home.
Try placing the water bowl near your cat’s bed or in an area of your home that’s quiet. Always keep it away from the litter box.
Tip 3: Keep the water bowl fresh and clean.
Let’s face it—no one wants to drink out of the same glass for days on end, and your cat is no different! Cats can be finicky about the smell and taste of their water, so be sure to wash—and rinse—the water bowls daily to avoid bacteria buildup. Change the water frequently to keep it fresh and at the temperature they prefer.
Tip 4: Consider the water temperature.
Some cats prefer their water cold from the tap, while others prefer it to be room temperature.
Tip 5: Keep the water bowl filled to the top.
Some cats don’t like the way it feels when their whiskers touch the edge of the water bowl.
Tip 6: Try different water bowls.
Generally, cats prefer glass, metal or ceramic water bowls over plastic ones. Experiment with different types of bowls until you find one that your cat fancies! It’s also a good idea to have a variety of bowl types, especially if you have multiple cats whose preferences may differ.
Tip 7: Introduce a water fountain.
Some cats really enjoy drinking from running water—we’ve all seen videos of cats drinking from the kitchen or bathroom sink! But instead of leaving the tap running all day, using a filtered water fountain keeps the water flowing, and the filter helps keep the water fresh. Clean the filter weekly or as directed.
Tip 8: Try adding flavor.
Your cat’s appetite is mostly stimulated by smell, and cats prefer savory or meaty smells. You could consider adding around a teaspoon of low-sodium chicken broth with no additional spices to your cat’s water. The water will need to be changed daily and its bowl washed and dried.
If your cat is still not drinking enough water, contact your veterinarian for advice.
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